Conflict Over Principles: Understanding It and Finding Solutions
In a special report from the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, titled "The New Conflict Management: Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies to Avoid Litigation," unconventional approaches to resolving conflicts are unveiled. These strategies, when combined with traditional litigation-avoidance techniques, can effectively navigate the deep-seated convictions often at the heart of value-based conflicts.
One such strategy is assessing whether the value at stake is truly sacred. Instead of focusing on rigid specifics, the emphasis is on honoring the spirit of the value. This approach opens up space for creative solutions that align with broader goals without compromising core beliefs.
Offering symbolic concessions on core values is another effective strategy. By making a meaningful sacrifice on one's own principles, parties can soften stances and foster cooperation. This demonstrates goodwill and encourages reciprocity.
Affirming the other side’s positive qualities, such as trustworthiness or deep convictions, can also help reduce defensiveness and make parties more open to value creation. This is supported by research conducted by University of California at Los Angeles professor Corinne Bendersky and researchers Fieke Harinck of Leiden University and Daniel Druckman of George Mason University.
Seeking win-win solutions is another crucial strategy. By adopting a collaborative approach aimed at creating value rather than dividing losses, parties can ensure all sides feel satisfied with the outcome. This may involve creative problem-solving to find a solution that benefits everyone involved.
Reaching consensus through compromise is another key strategy. Parties make mutual concessions to find an acceptable middle ground, preserving dignity even if no one fully attains all goals.
Behavior-based conflict resolution, instead of personal attacks, keeps the focus on actions and issues rather than identities. This lowerers defensiveness and encourages productive dialogue.
Lastly, employing established forums and flexible timing for negotiations provides safe, structured opportunities for discussion and potential multiple sessions to allow for thoughtful resolution.
These strategies emphasize respect, creativity, and mutual understanding, making them invaluable tools in the quest to turn adversaries into partners. For those interested, the report "The New Conflict Management: Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies to Avoid Litigation" is available for free.
Related posts include "Is Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution Education Collaborative Enough?", "Conflict Management and Negotiation: Personality and Individual Differences That Matter", "Dealing with Difficult Employees-or Burnout?", "Conflict Resolution Scenarios: Negotiating Values", and "Negotiation with Your Children: How to Resolve Family Conflicts".
- The report "The New Conflict Management: Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies to Avoid Litigation" from Harvard Law School suggests a strategy of assessing whether the value at stake is truly sacred, focusing on the spirit of the value rather than rigid specifics to potentially foster creative solutions.
- Offering symbolic concessions on core values is an effective strategy that can help soften stances and foster cooperation, demonstrated in a study led by Corinne Bendersky, Fieke Harinck, and Daniel Druckman.
- In the realm of business and education-and-self-development, seeking win-win solutions and adopting a collaborative approach aimed at creating value rather than dividing losses is crucial for ensuring all parties feel satisfied with the outcome.
- Behavior-based conflict resolution strategies, such as focusing on actions and issues instead of personal attacks, are invaluable tools for lowering defensiveness and encouraging productive dialogue in various environments, including businesses, educational settings, and family conflicts.
